Delectable and Authentic Venezuelan Pelao Recipe

Ingredients

  • 2 cups of long grain rice
  • 1/4 cup of vegetable oil
  • 1 large yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 1 red bell pepper, finely chopped
  • 2 large tomatoes, diced
  • 2 cups of chicken broth
  • 1 cup of water
  • 2 pounds of boneless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 teaspoon of salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon of pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon of turmeric
  • 1 cup of frozen peas
  • 1/2 cup of sliced black olives
  • 2 hard-boiled eggs, sliced for garnish
  • 1/4 cup of fresh cilantro, finely chopped for garnish

Steps and instructions

  1. Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat.
  2. Add the onion, garlic, and red bell pepper to the pot. Cook until the vegetables are soft and the onion is translucent.
  3. Add the diced tomatoes to the pot and cook for another 2-3 minutes.
  4. Add the chicken pieces to the pot and season with salt, pepper, and turmeric. Stir well to combine and cook until the chicken is browned on all sides.
  5. Add the rice to the pot and stir well to combine. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the rice is well coated with the oil and vegetable mixture.
  6. Add the chicken broth and water to the pot. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let simmer for 20 minutes.
  7. After 20 minutes, stir in the frozen peas and black olives. Cover the pot again and let simmer for another 10 minutes, or until the rice is tender and all the liquid has been absorbed.
  8. Before serving, garnish the Pelao with the sliced hard-boiled eggs and chopped fresh cilantro.

Tools for making

  • Large pot - for cooking the Pelao
  • Cutting board - for chopping vegetables
  • Knife - for mincing garlic and cutting chicken
  • Measuring cups - for accurately measuring rice, oil, broth, and water
  • Spatula - for stirring the ingredients in the pot
  • Lid - to cover the pot while simmering the Pelao
  • Serving dish - for presenting the Pelao
  • Spoon - for serving the Pelao

Recipe variations

  • Vegetarian Variation: Replace the chicken with extra vegetables such as diced carrots, zucchini, and mushrooms.
  • Seafood Variation: Substitute the chicken with shrimp, mussels, or any combination of seafood you prefer.
  • Beef Variation: Swap the chicken for chunks of beef, such as stew meat or flank steak.
  • Spicier Version: Add diced jalapeños or chili peppers for an extra kick of heat.
  • Vegetable Rice Variation: Skip the protein altogether and make a flavorful vegetable rice by adding a variety of vegetables like corn, peas, carrots, and bell peppers.
  • Coconut Pelao: Replace half of the chicken broth with coconut milk for a rich and creamy twist.
  • Curry Pelao: Add a tablespoon of curry powder or curry paste to the vegetable mixture for a flavorful curry-infused Pelao.
  • Quinoa Pelao: Substitute the rice with quinoa for a healthier, protein-packed alternative.

Recipe overview

Pelao is a traditional, hearty dish from Venezuela that's full of colorful vegetables, tender chicken, and fluffy rice. This one-pot wonder is easy to make, and it's packed with a delightful mix of flavors thanks to the combination of garlic, onion, bell pepper, and tomatoes, along with a touch of turmeric. The frozen peas and black olives give the dish a nice pop of color and a briny kick, while the garnish of hard-boiled eggs and fresh cilantro adds an extra layer of taste and texture. The chicken and rice cook together in the same pot, which not only makes for easy clean-up but also allows the flavors to meld together beautifully. Expect a comforting, savory meal that's ideal for weeknight dinners or large family gatherings. You will surely enjoy the process of preparing this dish as much as you will enjoy eating it!

Common questions

  1. Can I use a different type of rice? Yes, you can use a different type of rice, but keep in mind that the texture and cooking time may vary.
  2. Can I use a different protein instead of chicken? Certainly! You can substitute chicken with beef, pork, or even shrimp to customize the recipe to your liking.
  3. Can I omit the peas and olives? Of course! If you're not a fan of peas or olives, feel free to leave them out or substitute them with other vegetables or ingredients you prefer.
  4. Can I make this recipe vegetarian? Absolutely! You can omit the chicken and replace the chicken broth with vegetable broth to make a delicious vegetarian version of Pelao.
  5. Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of diced tomatoes? Yes, you can use fresh tomatoes instead of diced tomatoes. Simply chop the fresh tomatoes and add them to the pot as instructed.
  6. Can I double the recipe? Yes, you can double the recipe to serve more people. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time and use a larger pot if needed.
  7. Can I make this recipe ahead of time? Certainly! Pelao can be made ahead of time and reheated when ready to serve. Just make sure to store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
  8. Can I freeze the leftovers? Yes, you can freeze the leftovers in a freezer-safe container. Make sure to let it cool completely before freezing and thaw it in the refrigerator before reheating.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Large pot - A large pot is needed to cook the Pelao and accommodate all the ingredients.
  • Wooden spoon - A wooden spoon is useful for stirring and combining the ingredients in the pot.
  • Knife - A sharp knife is essential for chopping the onion, garlic, red bell pepper, and tomatoes.
  • Cutting board - A cutting board provides a stable surface for chopping and preparing the ingredients.
  • Measuring cups - Measuring cups are needed to accurately measure the rice, vegetable oil, chicken broth, and water.
  • Measuring spoons - Measuring spoons are used to measure the salt, pepper, and turmeric for seasoning.
  • Serving platter - A serving platter is helpful for presenting and serving the Pelao to guests.

Origin stories

Pelao is a beloved dish in Venezuelan cuisine. Its name means "bald" in Spanish, but contrary to its name, it's far from being plain or lacking. Infused with a symphony of flavors from ingredients like bell peppers, onions, tomatoes, and enriched by chicken and rice, it's a dish that sings of home comfort. Legend has it that Pelao got its name from a cook who was famous for his delicious rice dishes, but was ironically bald. Ever since, the dish has been a favorite, carrying with it the story of the bald cook who could do magical things with rice.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.